Riyadh: As the 45th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran continues at the Grand Mosque, companions and families of the participating contestants are praising Saudi Arabia for its deep commitment to honoring the Quran.
According to Saudi Press Agency, those companions expressed deep appreciation for the event, describing it as a source of great honor for Muslims around the world. They highlighted the religious significance of the competition, being held in the vicinity of the Grand Mosque and under the patronage of the Saudi leadership. They also noted the longstanding dedication shown by the leadership in supporting the Quran through its printing and publication, and the organization of international competitions that encourage Muslims to recite, memorize, and understand the noble verses.
The competition, organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, has drawn 197 contestants from 128 countries, with total prizes reaching SAR4 million.
Tayyib Hoki, one of the companions from Japan, described the competition as both a dream and an honor for every Muslim. 'In Japan, we are honored to take part in this competition every year, and we send our best contestants after intensive preparation, with the competition being held at the Grand Mosque and featuring elite reciters.' He underlined the Saudi leadership's exceptional care for the Quran.
From Belgium, Muaz bin Bouchrif echoed this sentiment, describing participation as a recognition for those who memorize the Quran, offering them the opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, perform Umrah, and tour religious and historical sites in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. He noted that nominees for the competition go through several levels of selection, beginning at the village level, then regional, and finally national. Bouchrif commended the ministry's efforts in providing a well-organized and comfortable experience for all attendees.
Osman Hussein, a companion from Somalia, highlighted the historic and spiritual value of the event, motivating Muslim youth around the world to memorize the Quran. He commended the Kingdom and its leadership for their continuous organization of such competitions at the global level.
Shamim Ismail, accompanying her son from Zimbabwe, expressed deep pride in his participation in one of the most prestigious Quranic competitions in the world. She expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care for the Quran and commended the ministry's tremendous job in organizing the event.
Another Zimbabwean companion, Mahmouda Ismail, praised the spiritually uplifting atmosphere provided for both participants and their families. 'It is wonderful to witness such a high level of competition in Quran memorization,' she said. Ismail also lauded 'the hospitality and good organization that we experienced, which reflect the care provided by the Kingdom and its wise leadership for the Noble Quran.'
Saleha Patel from Sierra Leone described her son's participation as a dream come true. She added that being part of their country's delegation at the competition has been an exceptional experience, commending the event's rich spiritual and educational programming.